[Psychopharmacoepidemiology: differences in prescribing strategies in the inpatient and outpatient settings].
OBJECTIVE
Doctors' prescribing behaviour in 34 psychiatric hospitals in southern Germany was investigated and compared with outpatient prescribing behaviour of doctors licensed to practise within the German health insurance system.


METHODS
On the basis of the AGATE cut-off dates for 2000-2006, we analysed developments in the drug groups antidepressants, neuroleptics, benzodiazepines, and antidementia drugs over time.


RESULTS
The proportion of inpatient prescriptions of antidepressants and antidementia drugs is increasing, whereas neuroleptics and benzodiazepines are undergoing the reverse trend. The proportion of generics in inpatient prescriptions is notably lower than in outpatient prescriptions.


CONCLUSIONS
The differences between inpatient and outpatient prescribing behaviour results in a lack of continuity of care. Health economic incentive systems therefore require standardisation.
Hausner
Helmut
H
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Universität am Bezirksklinikum, Regensburg. helmut.hausner@medbo.de
Wittmann
Markus
M
Haen
Ekkehard
E
Hajak
Göran
G
Spiessl
Hermann
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000639:trends; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000639:trends; D055815:Young Adult
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D001569:Benzodiazepines